Architectural
and Ethnographic Complex is an open air museum
with an operative display/lay-out that is unique
both in Bulgaria and the whole Southeastern Europe.
It is situated in the northern spurs of the Balkan
range, and is 8 km south of the centre of Gabrovo
city. It has a total area of about 7 ha.

Its construction
began in 1963 with the purpose of exhibiting most
artifacts by craftsmen around this region, during
the period of the Bulgarian revival. It has been
under construction for 13 years. The museum offers
a retrospection and an introduction with the customs
and traditions of the local people. The mechanisms
in the workshops and mills are only water- driven
by à river called Sivek which does not frozen
in the winter. Using original instruments and
following the old traditions locals represent
around 20 characteristic of the region crafts
such as wood- carving, pottery, coppersmith, furriery,
cutlery, tailoring etc.

The tourists
can also visit the herbal center for oil production,
and witness first hand different oil production
from different herbs in accordance with Bulgarian
tradition.

The park
futures typical Bulgarian revival houses with
two floors, bay windows, clock tower, and beautifully
decorated house by Saakov featuring 21 windows.
There are shops for souvenirs, tourist can enjoy
the luxury of a local three star hotel with bar
and restaurant. There are varieties of restaurants
in the park were tourist could enjoy delicacies
of local Bulgarian kitchen. There are visitors
to the park, from all over the world, all the
year round, especially during the annual Christian
festivals celebrated in the park, namely, Palm
Sunday and Easter. Tourist can witness first hand
in these festivals, local traditional rituals.

The
complex offers an interesting educational program
in:

- Bulgarian
traditional dances and music – under a spelized
supervision, teachers and choreographs –
group lessons: 40 euros per
group per hour
- Producing of household items and souvenirs
with different materials, a special way of painting
and colouring materials –
group lessons 25-30 euros per group of 5 pax
including the materials used

All requests
for participation in such educational programmes
should be sent at least one week prior to arrival